SEMA members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders. Photo credit: Kyle Crawford, Turn 14 Distribution Inc.

More than 100 SEMA members and non-members attended the June 4 Town Hall Meeting at Turn 14 Distribution Inc. in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania. Members had the opportunity to discuss hot topics with the panel while networking with other industry leaders, including U.S. Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA).

This was the first time SEMA team members were on the panel alongside Chairman of the Board Nate Shelton (Driven Performance Brands). Panelists Shelton, Chris Kersting (SEMA CEO and president), Mike Spagnola (SEMA vice president, OEM and product development) and Steve McDonald (SEMA vice president, government affairs) discussed the importance of the SDC, which provides the definitive product data repository for the specialty-parts marketplace and is backed by a full suite of online tools and live help-desk support. To learn more about the SDC, contact Allen Horwitz at allenh@sema.org.

The panel also addressed consumer awareness, strategies for getting the younger generation involved in the industry and SEMA Ignited, which will be held Friday evening, November 6, immediately following the 2015 SEMA Show. During SEMA Ignited, SEMA will film the second episode of “Battle of the Builders,”—a national competition featuring top SEMA Show vehicles and their builders competing for the title of Top Builder. To learn more about the competition or SEMA Ignited, visit www.semaignited.com.

Spagnola spoke about new resources the SEMA Garage offers to help members through the E.O. application process. SEMA recently brought on emissions lab manager Peter Treydte, who can help guide members through the long process of E.O. certification. He has helped some members go through the process within 24 hours. Get to know your SEMA Garage benefits and programs by visiting www.semagarage.com.